Izula vs Enuff

S

SCWillson

Joined
Aug 2, 2013
Messages
768
I’m about to take another stab (pun intended) at carrying a fixed blade as my EDC, and I wanted to explain my thoughts, experiences, and perhaps get some input from fellow BF members.

To try it out I have been carrying a Tops Tibo as an EDC for a couple weeks; using a Tek-Lok to carry it ranger style on the back of my duty belt, (I’m a commissioned security officer and carry a firearm on duty, so the knife is intended only as a tool.) From this experience I have arrived at several conclusions for what I want as my ideal knife:

The Tibo is about the right size at around 6.5 inches OAL with a 2.75 inch blade. I could tolerate it being slightly larger, but I still want a blade under 3 inches.

I would definitely want a better mounting system than the Tek-Lok, especially for civilian carry. It is extremely versatile, but it is also very bulky. A custom sheath or possibly two is in order.

My ideal fixed blade needs a handle with some girth and a non-slip texture. The Tibo lacks scales and it has really shown me why knives not intended for concealment need them. G-10, micarta, or textured FRN are all possibilities, with G-10 being preferred.

The Tibo has shown me I do not care for textured blade coatings, so stainless steel is a must.

While ranger carry is awesome when I have a nice thick duty belt, for civilian carry I need a vertical sheath; preferably IWB for concealment under street clothes. (Hence need for second sheath.)

Right now I have two candidates in mind, the ESEE Isula in stainless with G-10 scales, and the Spyderco Enuff drop-point. Both appear to have good ergonomics and reviews I’ve read of both seem highly favorable.

I’ll list the pros and cons for each as I see them:

ESEE Izula pros:
Less expensive
More aftermarket accessories available, including extra sheaths
Removable/replaceable scales
Good sheath design

ESEE Izula cons:
Not as fond of the blade shape
440C steel not (IMO) as good as VG-10
No personal experience with ESEE
I would need to purchase scales separately

Spyderco Enuff pros:
Love the Spyderco leaf-shaped blades
Better steel
I’ve been an unadulterated Spyderco fanboy for decades

Spyderco Enuff cons:
More expensive
Non-removable scales (and I’m not terribly fond of FRN on fixed blades)
Clunky sheath which will almost have to be replaced with custom kydex

So at the moment I’m kinda going round and round in my head. Cost is not a big factor, but it still is a factor. I’d appreciate any input, particularly from forum members who’ve owned both.
 
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Enuff rocks. Make damn sure you get the newer sheath though as the old one sucked. It is a slab of VG10 too. The Izula is not in the same class as far as materials but is a great EDC. You will have to buy the handles for the Izula though to make it feel right.
 
I really like the izula as a fixed blade edc. I think, however, that I might prefer the enuff. As great as the izula is, I think stainless is a better option for an edc knife. Also, by the time you add a clip for the sheath and some scales for the izula, it's not too far off in price. I doubt you will regret purchasing either knife.
 
mec003 said:
I really like the izula as a fixed blade edc. I think, however, that I might prefer the enuff. As great as the izula is, I think stainless is a better option for an edc knife. Also, by the time you add a clip for the sheath and some scales for the izula, it's not too far off in price. I doubt you will regret purchasing either knife.
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Well, I have to admit that I'm leaning a bit towards the Enuff. But I want to give the Izula objective consideration instead of just automatically buying the Enuff because I love Spydercos. (Maybe I can persuade Sal to make some knife plushies so I can snuggle up with a Spyderco at night.) ;)

Besides, if I do end up getting an Izula it just gives me the the opportunity to become an unadulterated ESEE fanboy. :D
 
You can remove scales on the Enuff. I love mine...except for the sheath..
 
Armadew said:
You can remove scales on the Enuff. I love mine...except for the sheath..
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The scales are removable? The pics I've seen all look like the scales are riveted on. (Yes, I know you can drill out rivets, but I wouldn't count that as "removable".)
 
I'll have to double check when I get home, but I'm sure mine are screwed on. I remember even removing them at one point.
 
Armadew said:
I'll have to double check when I get home, but I'm sure mine are screwed on. I remember even removing them at one point.
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I would appreciate that. I'm pretty certain removable scales would tip my decision in favor of the Enuff. Even I can't personally create scales I like better than the FRN (such as G-10 or micarta), there are any number of skilled customizers on BF who can.
 
Well in my totally unbiased opinion..........:p I have never felt a need to search beyond these tools.

 
Screws. :)

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James w said:
Bk 14 Kabar check it out

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He said blade under 3". I believe BK14 is 3.5"

For another knife to consider, Condor just came out with the Mayflower knife. It's RIGHT at the upper limit of your size range with 3" blade and 7" overall. But it comes with 420hc stainless, and micarta scales already on, and they sell for about $45-50. It comes with typical condor sheath, which is to say and very nicely made leather sheath. If you want kydex, you'd go aftermarket.
Personally I carry my Izula 2 all the time and love that damned little knife. It is aptly named, being totally fierce for its size. Honestly, I can't imagine wanting anything out of an EDC that my Izula doesn't do already.
 
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